1998 Rockwell Commander 114B

Additional Remarks

• The Rockwell International Commander 114 was introduced in 1976 as the logical follow-on to the Commander 112, the first single to be certified under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23. The basic difference between the two models was the engine: a 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 in the 112, a 260-hp IO-540 in the 114. The 114A Gran Turismo, which featured a higher gross weight, replaced the 114 in 1979. That was the end of the line for the Rockwell singles. Production ceased in 1979 after about 1,135 had been built, of which some 485 were 114s and 114As.
• The “B” suffix suggests — correctly — that this Commander was preceded by a model “A” and an original, un-alphabetised version.
• Almost all the changes to the 114 to make it a 114B have taken place ahead of the windshield. Most noticeable is the new fibreglass cowl. The cowl on Rockwell-built Commanders is replete with drag- producing accoutrements: heavy metal latches on each side, separate oil cooler and induction air scoops, a deeply recessed landing light in the nose, a bump below the spinner for the starter, and two long, straight exhaust stacks protruding from the bottom. The new two-piece cowl is smooth and curvaceous and is interrupted only by two amazingly small nosebowl inlets that collect all the air needed for engine and oil cooling and the induction system. Better baffling around the cylinder heads makes more efficient use of cooling air.
• Beneath the cowling are more extensive changes. The exhaust system has been rerouted into a single exhaust stack. The oil cooler has been repositioned to take advantage of the new baffling and a smaller, lighter weight starter is used.
• An area that received a lot of attention was the engine induction system. According to Commander, the IO-540-T4B5 engine in the 114/114A makes 75-percent power up to about 5,000 feet. Careful tuning of the induction system enables the 114B, which uses the same engine, to hold 75 percent up to 8,000 feet in standard conditions, the company claims.
• More efficient induction and exhaust systems and propeller, reduced cooling drag, and better cowling aerodynamics — these were the ingredients in Commander’s recipe for boosting performance. How much of a boost? About 10 knots in cruise, according to Commander. The company claims a 75-percent-power cruise speed of 160 knots. Maximum cruise is advertised as 164 knots.